78,000 Chrysler 200 Sedans Recalled for Stalling, Engaging Neutral

Fiat-Chrysler is recalling 77,834 Chrysler 200 sedans that can stall or switch into neutral without warning, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

On 2015 200 models, a damaged connector inside the fuse and relay box can cause the check engine light to display and then stall the engine or put the gearbox into neutral. FCA said that its supplier, Android, had spread the pins on the connector during testing which can cause an intermittent electrical connection. The automaker, since it began investigating the problem in October 2014, knows of at least 90 reports of this condition. No injuries or accidents have been reported. FCA said the defect was not related to the ZF nine-speed transmission that has proven problematic in the Jeep Cherokee and in vehicles from other automakers.

Dealers will replace the entire transmission wiring harness on 2.4-liter four-cylinder models or splice the wiring and replace the damaged connector on 3.6-liter V-6 models. Parts are not yet available and interim notices will be sent to owners next month.